As your New Orleans Saints prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft, we take a look at the top 10 ranked players at various positions. The 2021 NFL Draft big board rankings are reflective of Bucky Brooks' top five 2021 NFL Draft prospects by position 1.0 and ESPN's NFL Draft "Best Available" list.
Here are the top 10 ranked draft prospects at defensive back:
2021 NFL Draft prospects - Cornerback | #1 Patrick Surtain II | Alabama
Overview: Lockdown, press-man cornerback with elite size, length and talent to match up with any brand of receiver from any place on the field. Surtain possesses elite physical and athletic traits with the rare combination of length and short-area quickness that allows him to play on a press-man island and phase routes on all three levels.
2021 NFL Draft prospects - Cornerback | #2 Caleb Farley | Virginia Tech
Overview: Farley possesses rare size for the position and does an excellent job of using his frame and length to charge rent inside the catch space. He needs to continue to improve his technique and discipline as he displays inconsistencies staying connected to routes at times.
2021 NFL Draft prospects - Cornerback | #3 Jaycee Horn | South Carolina
Overview: Three-year starter with a tantalizing combination of size and length that is clearly effective when matched in tight man coverage. Horn can line up in any cover scheme and often traveled with the opponent's most talented target. He plays with desired eye discipline from zone and the talent to impede release from press.
2021 NFL Draft prospects - Cornerback | #4 Asante Samuel Jr. | Florida State
Overview: Cornerback with NFL bloodlines and disruptive strength to make contested catches a true challenge for wide receivers. Samuel has good feet, but average size and transition burst to shadow breaks. He allowed too many catches in front of his face, especially early in the 2020 season.
2021 NFL Draft prospects - Cornerback | #5 Elijah Molden | Washington
Overview: Molden is a team leader with NFL-caliber play recognition and feel for the game. While he does lack plus acceleration out of transitions, he has fast feet and plays with good balance around the field in both coverage and as a steady, open-field tackler.
2021 NFL Draft prospects - Safety | #6 Trevon Moehrig | TCU
Overview: Very talented height-weight-speed prospect with the range and ball skills to become an impact defender at the next level. Moehrig possesses the overall talent to play in a variety of coverages, including over the slot against big targets, but his talent might be best served as a high safety where his instincts and anticipation lead him to the football.
2021 NFL Draft prospects - Safety | #7 Jevon Holland | Oregon
Overview: Versatile defensive back with good size, above-average instincts and impressive ball skills. Holland plays with good pattern recognition and anticipation underneath. He has the ball greed and competitiveness to make contested catches a challenge for opponents.
2021 NFL Draft prospects - Safety | #8 Caden Sterns | Texas
Overview: The size, length and aggressiveness as a hitter are still intriguing traits, but Sterns has moments where he really struggles with diagnosing play design and staying ahead of what the offense is trying to do. He lacks optimal instincts to play single-high, and man coverage can get away from him.
2021 NFL Draft prospects - Safety | #9 Andre Cisco | Syracuse
Overview: Cisco plays with quick run diagnosis and displays a feel for reading gadget plays. However, he really struggles when it comes to taking proper pursuit angles and finishing as a balanced, wrap-up tackler.
2021 NFL Draft prospects - Safety | #10 Hamsah Nasirildeen | Florida State
Overview: Box safety projection with plus physical traits, but might need additional monitoring to see how he progresses from his ACL tear after playing just two games in 2020. He's a willing leader, good teammate and hard worker who has played for three head coaches and defensive coordinators.
